Breathing port isolation apparatus

ABSTRACT

The breathing port isolation apparatus includes a housing, valve, and actuator to enable a diver to isolate a breathing port of a snorkel or dive regulator using a single mouthpiece. The housing is configured to seat the valve and actuator and releasably engage a mouthpiece and dive regulator, which provides the diver with a continuous flow of air through the mouthpiece without having to transition between multiple regulators or breathing ports. The valve includes a piston and enables linear movement between the first and second port. The actuator enables the diver to depress a push-button and transition the actuator between depressed and extended positions, which correspond to the first and second breathing ports.

FIELD

The embodiments shown herein relate to a breathing port isolation apparatus, in particular, a breathing port isolation apparatus which allows a diver to transition between breathing ports within an integrated snorkel and dive regulator using an actuator.

BACKGROUND

Today most underwater breathing apparatuses enable divers to remain underwater for extended periods without having to replace compressed air systems. However, these modern systems still require the diver to manipulate equipment and transition between the mouthpieces of the snorkel and the dive regulator.

In addition, the challenge that remains most prominent is the inability to create an integrated snorkel and dive regulator that maintains watertight integrity as the diver descends and the components are exposed to increased pressure.

This negative pressure and the free-flow phenomenon continue to create minor leaks in many dive regulators and diaphragms because of the pressure differences inside and outside the regulator and diaphragm. Although these leaks may be minor during shallow dives, they are exacerbated as the diver descends. Further, the inability to create an integrated system that enables a user to continuously breathe through a single mouthpiece using a snorkel and dive regulator will continue to make the recreational sport dangerous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described herein include a breathing port isolation apparatus for use within an integrated snorkel and dive regulator which uses a single mouthpiece. Further, some embodiments relate to an apparatus that enables a user (i.e., diver) to use an actuator to transition a valve between a first and second position, which correspond to the snorkel and dive regulator, while maintaining continuous fluid communication with the lungs of the diver via a single mouthpiece. Some embodiments shown herein include a housing, valve, and actuator in mechanical communication with a splined shaft, piston, and spring to provide the diver with an actuation mechanism that controls the valve between a first and second position, which correspond to a first and second port. Further, some embodiments include an apparatus that maintains watertight integrity using a pressure relief mechanism to clear any negative pressure accumulation while descending to a depth. The spring and piston are mechanically connected between the actuator and valve assembly, and transfer an exerted force from a depression of the actuator to the valve body, enabling the diver to transition between the breathing port of a snorkel and dive regulator by depressing the actuator with a finger while maintaining fluid contact with the mouthpiece.

Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments shown herein will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments shown, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed descriptions when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a breathing port isolation apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a view of the apparatus positioned to the first port (i.e., snorkel);

FIG. 4 is a view of the apparatus positioned to the second port (i.e., dive regulator);

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the valve;

FIG. 6 is a view of the apparatus demonstrating the flow of air to the first port; and

FIG. 7 is a view of the apparatus demonstrating the flow of air to the second port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of a single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

The embodiments shown relate to a breathing port isolation apparatus for an integrated snorkel and dive regulator, which may be transitioned between a first and second port using a valve. Further, the embodiments shown enable the diver to isolate a desired breathing port within the apparatus by easily depressing the first end of an actuator, configured in a push-button orientation, eliminating the traditional requirements of having to manipulate air tanks and multiple mouthpieces. The apparatus includes a housing, valve body, and actuator in mechanical communication to transition a valve to either a first or second port, corresponding to a first (i.e., snorkel) or second (i.e., dive regulator) position. Further, the apparatus and all discussed elements, with the exception of the spring, may be composed from the same high durometer material, which provides an ergonomic and watertight design.

The embodiments shown further provide the ability to descend from the surface to a greater depth without the adverse effects of negative pressure accumulation within the housing, while continuously maintaining watertight integrity between the valve and housing using at least one mechanical gasket.

Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the views. There is shown in FIG. 1 an exploded view of the breathing port isolation apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 includes a housing 12, valve 14, and actuator 16 in fluid and mechanical communication.

The housing includes a first and second end 18, 20 as well as a set of outwardly protruding apertures 21 on opposite sides of housing 12 configured to releasably affix a mouthpiece 22 and regulator 23. The first end 18 is elongated and substantially cylindrical, and configured to releasably engage a portion of the actuator 16, and valve 14. Specifically, the first end of the housing 18 is configured to releasably engage a push-button 24 attached to the actuator 16, splined shaft 26, piston 28, and spring 29, while linearly transitioning the valve 14 between the first and second ports 30, 31. For illustration purposes, the first port 30 enables the user to isolate the snorkel, and the second port 31 enables the user to isolate the dive regulator. The second end of the housing 20 is configured in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the first end of the housing 18, and configured to releasably engage a snorkel tube 32 and purge valve 34. The purge valve 34 in fluid communication with the valve 14 provides the primary means of relieving any pressure accumulation or water intrusion in the housing 12.

The set of outwardly protruding apertures 21 are substantially elliptical and extend outward from the center housing 12 and enable the user to releasably attach a mouthpiece 22 and dive regulator 23 by aligning with their respective protruding apertures 21 and fitting a collar around a portion of the outwardly protruding apertures 21, creating a watertight male-female connection.

The valve 14 further includes at least one leading edge 36 protruding outward from a portion of the valve 14. The leading edge 36 is configured to transfer any water or pressure accumulation when the valve is transitioned between the first 30 and second 31 ports. The leading edge 36 prevents a vacuum from being created in the housing, causing the valve 14 to stick to the housing 12.

The valve 14 also includes a plurality of indentations 38. The plurality of indentations 38 are further dimensioned to releasably engage at least one mechanical gasket 40 and provide a secondary means of watertight integrity to the housing 12 and valve 14. Further, the valve 14 has a first side 41 and second side 42 and trailing end 43 and leading end 44. The first side 41 and leading surface 44 further include an opening to enable fluid communication between the lungs of the user and the snorkel when the valve 14 is placed in the first position 30.

The actuator 16 provides the diver with the ability to transition the valve 14 between the first 30 and second 31 ports using one finger. For example, the compact design of the apparatus 10 enables the diver to hold the housing 12 with two fingers and depress the push-button 24 on the actuator 16 using their thumb. The unique design of the apparatus 10 provides a portable solution to the traditional methods of manipulating compressed air tanks, hoses, and multiple mouthpieces, which require the diver to remove their mouthpiece and turn on/off an air supply, which occupies both hands.

The actuator 16 has an elongated and substantially cylindrical configuration, including a first and second end 46, 48 as well as a plurality of protruding strips 49. The push-button 24, which is located at the first end of the actuator 46, enables the diver to shift the actuator 16 between an extended and depressed position by depressing the push-button 24. For illustration purposes, the extended position aligns to the first port 30, and the depressed position aligns to the second port 31 (further illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7).

The second end 48 of the actuator 16 includes a tabbed portion 50 to releasably engage a portion of the first end of the splined shaft 51 within a hollow region of the actuator 52. When the splined shaft 26 is engaged within the hollow region of the actuator 52, the tabbed portion at the second end of the actuator 50 releasably engages a plurality of extended splines 54 located at a second end of the splined shaft 55. While secured within the hollow region of the actuator 52, the tabbed portion 50 releasably engages a plurality of extended splines 54 to rotate the splined shaft 26 a set angle and direction and engage the plurality of extended splines 54 rotated about its axis through the grooved portion 54 and plurality of protruding strips 49 within a channeled portion of the housing 56. This mechanical communication between the plurality of extended splines 54 and channeled portion 56 of the housing 12 enables the actuator 16 to be secured in the depressed position (i.e., second port 31).

Specifically, when the actuator 16 is shifted from the extended to the depressed position, the plurality of extended splines 54 and plurality of protruding strips 49 are pushed in a linear direction toward the valve 14 until they are released from the channeled portion of the housing 56. Upon being released, the plurality of extended splines 54 rotate through the tabbed portion 50 and rest with a set of tabs. At the same time the splined shaft 26 is pushed back into the channeled portion of the housing 56, with the actuator 16 locked in the depressed position, and the valve 14 secured to the second port 31.

Conversely, when the diver ascends to the surface and would like to isolate the snorkel port (i.e., first port 30), he or she would simply depress the push-button 24, which disengages a plurality of extended splines 54 and a plurality of protruding strips 49 from the channeled portion of the housing 56 and shifts the actuator 16 to the extended position. Furthermore, the mechanical communication between the plurality of protruding strips 49 and the channeled portion of the housing 56 restricts any rotational movement of the actuator 16 when shifting between the depressed and extended positions.

The apparatus 10 further includes a piston 28 in mechanical communication with the splined shaft 26 and valve 14. The piston 28 has an elongated body, which transfers the force exerted by a user, who depresses the push-button 24, and transfers the force onto the valve 14, transitioning it between the first and second ports.

The first end 60 of the piston 28 includes an integrated anchor 62, protruding outward in a substantially perpendicular orientation from the body of the piston 28, which provides a footing to the spring 30 to ensure linear movement of the spring 30 on the piston 28 when shifting the actuator from the extended to the depressed position.

The spring 30 is composed of an elastic material in a traditional helix configuration, including a plurality of coils which move about the piston 28 in a linear motion to evenly transfer a force onto a washer 64, creating a hermetic seal between the housing 12 and valve 14. The force exerted from the spring 30 onto the washer 64 is proportional to the length of the spring 30.

Shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is a perspective view as well as a view of the apparatus of the valve 14 placed in the first position with the snorkel port isolated, providing fluid communication between the lungs of the user and the ambient surface air. Further shown in FIG. 3 is the valve 14 isolating the first port 30 and enabling an ambient air flow from the surface through snorkel tube 32 and leading end 44 where it enters the first port 30, through the first side of the valve 41 and mouthpiece 22 and into the lungs of the user.

Shown in FIG. 4 is a view of the apparatus 10 with the valve 14 placed in the second position, isolating the dive regulator and providing fluid communication between the lungs of the user and the compressed air tank. Further shown is the valve positioned to the second port 31, enabling fluid communication from a dive regulator 23 through the mouthpiece 22 and into the lungs of the user. The second port 31 is isolated using the trailing end of the valve 43, which prevents air flow through the valve and into the second port 31. Further depicted is the trailing end of the valve 31 affixed to the piston 28 and in mechanical communication with the washer 64.

FIG. 5 provides a detailed view of the valve 14, leading edge 36, and the plurality of indentations which releasably engage at least one mechanical gasket 40 to provide a secondary means of watertight integrity around the valve 14. Further shown is the first side of the valve 41, second side of the valve 42, trailing edge 43, and leading edge 44.

FIG. 6 provides a view of the apparatus in use with a user in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 22 while breathing ambient air through the snorkel 32. The valve 14 is positioned to the first port 31, enabling air to flow from the surface through an opening at the leading edge 36 and first side of the valve 41 to the user.

FIG. 7 provides a view of the apparatus in use with a user in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 22 while breathing air from the dive regulator 23. In this view the valve 14 is positioned to the second port 31. The leading edge of the valve 36 and leading surface 44 are adjoined to the second end of the housing 20, isolating any air flow from the snorkel into the first port 30 or second port 31. Further, the mechanical gasket 40 within the plurality of indentations 39 acts as secondary means of watertight integrity to the second port 31. The regulator 23 is releasably attached at one of the opposite apertures 21 by at least one set screw 23 a which, when tightened, creates a hermetic seal.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for switching between breathing paths, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a first port to provide fluid communication between lungs of a user and a snorkel and having a second port to provide fluid communication between the lungs of the user to a dive air regulator via a single mouthpiece; a valve positionable within the housing and moveable to selectively provide access to one of the first port and the second port at a time; an actuator having a shaft in mechanical communication with the valve to position the valve in a first position to select the first port and a second position to select the second port.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes an adjacent set of apertures extending outward from a center of the housing and configured to releasably engage a mouthpiece and a dive regulator.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further including a purge valve in fluid communication with a leading edge of the valve to enable a user to relieve an accumulated pressure within the housing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve further includes at least one indented portion configured to releasably engage at least one mechanical gasket to provide a hermetic seal around the valve.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the valve further includes a set of opening at a first side and leading end of the valve to enable air from through the snorkel and valve to the user when positioned to the first port.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator further includes a first and a second end; the first end configured in a push-button orientation to allow the user to shift the actuator between a depressed and extended position corresponding to the first and second ports, and the second end including a hollow region dimensioned to releasably house a portion of the splined shaft to enable a user to secure the valve in a first position.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus further includes a piston affixed to a first end of the valve and configured to receive a force from the actuator and position the valve to the first port and second port.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piston further includes a spring releasably affixed around the diameter of the piston to provide a constant force onto a washer and create a hermetic seal to the housing, and shift the actuator from the depressed to extended position.
 9. An apparatus for switching between breathing paths, the apparatus comprising: an elongated and substantially cylindrical housing mechanically connected to a valve and configured to enable a user to isolate a breathing port of a snorkel and a breathing port of a dive regulator at a time using a mouthpiece; a substantially elliptical valve configured to selectively shift in a linear direction between a first and second port, the first and second port corresponding to the snorkel port and the dive regulator port, respectively; and an actuator in mechanical communication with the valve and housing and configured to enable a user to selectively isolate the first and second port by depressing a push-button.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the housing further includes a first end and a second end; the first end configured to releasably engage the valve and a portion of the actuator, and a second end configured to releasably attach a snorkel tube and a purge valve.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further including a channeled portion of the housing configured to releasably engage a plurality of releasably attached extended splines and protruding strips to prevent rotational movement of the actuator when shifting between an extended and depressed position, the extended and depressed position corresponding to a first port and a second port.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the valve further includes a plurality of indentations configured to releasably seat mechanical gaskets to provide a hermetic seal around the valve.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the valve further includes a leading edge protruding outward from a leading surface of the valve and in fluid communication with a purge valve to enable a discharge of an accumulated pressure out the purge valve when the valve is positioned from a first to second port.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the valve further includes a first side and a second side, and a leading surface; the first side and the leading surface further include a set of opening provide air flow from the snorkel to the user when the valve is positioned to the first port, and second side configured to prevent air flow from the dive regulator to the mouthpiece.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the actuator includes a first and second end; the first end configured to enable the user to depress the push-button and position the actuator between an extended and depressed position; the extended and depressed positions corresponding to the first and second port, and a second end further including a tabbed portion configured to releasably engage a splined shaft and secure the actuator when placed in the depressed position.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second end of the actuator includes a hollowed portion dimensioned to releasably engage a portion of the splined shaft and rotate the splined shaft a set at set and angle and direction when the actuator is shifted between an extended and depressed position.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the splined shaft further includes a plurality of extended splines releasably engaged to a tabbed portion of the second end of the actuator to enable the plurality of extended splines to be housed with a channeled portion of the housing and selectively secure the valve to the second port.
 18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further includes an elongated and substantially planar piston configured to transfer a force from the actuator onto valve and enable the valve to be positioned to the first port and second port.
 19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further includes a spring configured to exert a force onto a washer to provide a hermetic seal between a breathing port and the first end of the housing, and position the actuator from the depressed to extended position.
 20. An apparatus for switching between breathing paths, the apparatus comprising: an elongated housing including a first breathing port and second breathing port and releasably affixed dive regulator and mouthpiece and configured to enable continuous air flow to the mouthpiece while isolating the first breathing port and second breathing port a time; an elliptically oriented valve in mechanical communication with at least an actuator and configured to enable a user to selectively position the valve in linear direction and isolate a first breathing port and second breathing port at a time; and an elongated actuator including a piston affixed to the valve to enable a user to selectively isolate a snorkel breathing port and a dive regulator breathing port by shifting the actuator between an extended and depressed position, the extended position corresponding to the snorkel breathing port and the depressed position corresponding to the dive regulator breathing port. 